June Applebee shares stories from a life filled with adventure, from her time working on the QE2 to her deep connection with Cornwall. One of the most memorable events of her career was surviving a powerful storm while crossing the Atlantic, which severely damaged the ship. She recalls the chaos and the courage of the crew as they navigated the aftermath, limping into New York for repairs. Another unforgettable experience involved the ship hitting rocks near Martha’s Vineyard, leading to a chaotic evacuation of 1,800 passengers overnight.
June’s life in Cornwall began in the late 1950s when she arrived to work in a hotel near Newquay. She later moved to St Ives, where she immersed herself in the local culture, making friends. She recalls amusing incidents, like when a friend was detained on a French fishing boat in Falmouth due to hopping aboard for the day without her passport. Throughout her life, the sea has remained a constant theme, shaping her experiences and choices.
Now settled in Traeger Gorran, June reflects on raising her children in Cornwall and her enduring love for the sea. Whether it was calling her children in from the cliffs with a conch shell or managing mackerel deliveries during a party, June’s life has been full of memorable moments rooted in the natural beauty and rugged landscape of Cornwall.
